title: Effective functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotube with amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer carrying silver nanoparticles for better dispersability and antimicrobial activity.
abstract: Two multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrids have been prepared: (a) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (APPI), viz. MWCNTs-APPI, and (b) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-deposited multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with an amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (MWCNTs-APPI-AgNPs). The degree of covalent functionalization of APPI in MWCNTs and deposition of AgNPs in MWCNTs-APPI were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The amount of APPI functionalized on MWCNTs determined by thermal gravimetric analysis was about 67% which enables an effective dispersability in aqueous and organic solvents without sonication and these solutions were stable for 6 months without undergoing aggregation of MWCNTs. The electronic properties of the hybrid materials were not altered drastically as verified by the Raman studies. The antimicrobial activities of MWCNTs-APPI and MWCNTs-APPI-AgNPs against three different bacteria, viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escheriachia coli illustrated excellent activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India. dr.e.murugan@gmail.com
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Murugan
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vimala
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D001388:Aziridines / Q000737:chemistry*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D050091:Dendrimers / Q000737:chemistry*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001388:Aziridines; D050091:Dendrimers; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D012834:Silver; C031132:propyleneimine